Chef James Montejano at Cardiff Seaside Market in Cardiff.
SAN DIEGO–Having elevated La Valencia Hotel to a regional food destination the past two years, “People’s Chef” James Montejano will lead the rebranding and expansion of Cardiff Seaside Market when he joins the company as Executive Chef this May.
Montejano will reimagine the market’s ready-made food section for health-conscious eaters, adding plant-based, paleo and gluten-free offerings, and will establish Cardiff Seaside Market as a gourmet educational and event center via farm-to-table dinners, wine tastings, private parties and cooking classes in a new mezzanine kitchen – part of a recent 13,000-square-foot expansion. Montejano will also develop an outdoor barbecue kitchen and dining area offering carved meats including the market’s signature “Cardiff Crack” tri-tip. Montejano will also develop new offsite catering menus and oversee menu changes at Cardiff Seaside Market’s Petco Park outpost.
“I was born and raised in San Diego and lived in Cardiff for eight years so this feels like a homecoming. Seaside Market has always been a cut above,” said Montejano. “A movement toward health consciousness coupled with increasing interest in gourmet and high-quality cuisine drove me to make this transition from restaurant to market. I can’t wait to redefine the concept of the neighborhood grocery store by bringing innovative, restaurant quality food to consumers.”
A native of San Diego, Montejano’s career has taken him to the Bay Area and back, with prior positions at Michael Mina in San Francisco, The Trident in Sausalito, Le Papagayo in Leucadia and Pamplemousse Grill in Solana Beach. Montejano’s accolades include People’s Choice and Best Seafood at the 2014 San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival, and in 2015 he was voted Best of the Best Dining at Battle of the Bands as well as March of Dimes’ Best of the Fest. Montejano most recently competed at the 2015 KAABOO Rock’ Chef Competition and is an active participant in and contributor to the Berry Good Foundation, Chef Showdown for The Center for Community Solutions, Chef Celebration of San Diego, The Francis Parker School, the San Diego Food Bank and more.
“We live in an exciting era when chefs are no longer stuck inside restaurants but can interact with the community in meaningful ways,” Montejano says.
Montejano is passionate about engaging the community, particularly through social media where he has built a reputation for supporting local suppliers, events, musicians and taste-makers.
“Chef James will help the market realize our long-held vision to solidify our role in the community as a gourmet food supplier that celebrates loyal patrons and local products,” said John Najjar, who co-owns Cardiff Seaside Market with Pete Najjar. “Cardiff Seaside Market has been a leader in providing outstanding products and customer service since 1985. Our family-owned market has maintained its commitment to the community by continually expecting the next level of excellence in every department. Chef James is a natural step toward reaching the next level.”
